Improve sleep quality and cut energy use in the bedroom.

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Shake Comforter to Fit in Duvet

Reach for sweet, sustainable dreams in the bedroom with these ideas to cut energy use and improve sleep quality:

Warm it up. Add an electric blanket or down comforter to the bed to replace standard blankets, then lower the thermostat in winter to save on heating costs.

Chill out. In summer, a bedroom ceiling fan circulates air for comfortable sleep and lowers the need for air conditioning.

Buy organic. Sleeping in your bed for eight hours each night can mean maximum exposure to the chemicals and resins found in synthetic materials. When buying sheets or mattresses, go for organic fibers to lower exposure to toxins.

Pick the right paint. Even when dry, standard paints continue to emit VOCs or volatile organic compounds. Preserve a clean environment in the bedroom by using low- or no-VOC paint on bedroom walls.

Monogramming is a great way to customize bath towels, but not everyone has access to a fancy embroidery machine. For this DIY project, an extra washcloth and a simple zigzag stitch will do the trick to make these gift-worthy towels.